We trust nursing homes to provide care for elderly individuals in our society. When that trust is broken and a resident is injured physically, emotionally, and/or financially, it can be devastating. At the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine, we assist individuals throughout Tampa with seeking compensation after a nursing home fails to provide adequate care.
The Tampa nursing home abuse lawyers at our firm can guide you through the legal process and help you understand what to expect during each step. We provide you with responsive legal care, which means you get your attorney’s phone number, frequent case updates, and answers to all of your questions. While you focus on your recovery, we will take care of your case and even help you schedule appointments.
Types of Damages You May Recover in a Tampa Nursing Home Abuse Case
In general, you can receive compensation for expenses that are reasonably related to the injuries that the victim sustained. A few examples include:
- Past and future medical bills
- Rehabilitation
- Prescription medication
- Alternative living arrangements
The victim can also seek compensation for the pain and suffering they sustained because of the abuse. A nursing home abuse attorney from our firm can discuss the potential damages that may be available to you or your loved one. Each case is different, and it is important to consider the unique facts.
In the meantime, it is important to keep copies of any receipts, invoices, or documents that show the expenses you have to pay or will eventually have to pay as a result of the abuse. These documents can help your lawyer ensure that you receive the amount of compensation that you deserve.
Working with a Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer from Our Firm
Although you are not required to retain an attorney to pursue compensation in a nursing home abuse case, there are many reasons why it may be a good idea to do so.
We handle nursing home abuse cases in Tampa and understand the laws that govern nursing home abuse. It is important to make sure that you follow all procedural and substantive laws when pursuing compensation from a nursing home. If you do not follow these rules, your case may be dismissed.
Our Lawyers Gather Evidence on Your Behalf
Your lawyer can help you collect all the available evidence to prove that the nursing home is liable for the abuse you or a loved one suffered while under its care. Evidence examples include:
- Medical records
- Witness testimony
- Video surveillance
- Photographs
- Police reports or other official reports
You may also need to consult with experts such as doctors and nursing home specialists to prove your case. Your lawyer will identify and retain the right experts to work on your case so that you can focus on healing or taking care of your loved one.
There are many day-to-day aspects of a lawsuit, such as phone calls, emails, negotiating with insurance companies, scheduling hearings with the court, drafting court documents, and coordinating evidence. Your lawyer and their legal team will make sure that your case continues to proceed and that your rights are being asserted.
Types of Nursing Home Abuse
There are many different types of nursing home abuse that may entitle you or a loved one to financial recovery.
Physical Abuse Is the Most Recognizable Type of Nursing Home Abuse
The most common type of nursing home abuse that people think of is physical abuse. This can include a variety of actions, such as kicking, hitting, or shoving a patient. It can also involve withholding medical care, adequate food and water, or neglecting to provide a patient with assistance when needed.
Emotional and Mental Abuse Is Subtle But Just as Damaging
In some situations, the abuse may be entirely emotional or mental. Examples of this type of abuse would be making threats, causing a patient to experience fear or distress, and making misrepresentations to a patient for the purpose of control or abuse.
This can be a particularly difficult type of case because there is limited evidence compared to a case involving physical abuse. Working with an attorney with our team can help you ensure that you recover every piece of evidence possible.
Financial Abuse Can Also Occur
Employees at nursing homes may take advantage of their close proximity to residents to gain a financial advantage. This is particularly true when the patient suffers from a mental ailment like dementia or Alzheimer’s disease.
The employee may try to become close to the patient to gain financial benefits. In this type of case, it is important to find evidence showing that the staff member unduly influenced you or your loved one to receive money or other valuable assets.
Sexual Abuse and Harassment Causes Suffering and Harm
This can include everything from unwanted advances and remarks to rape. This type of case can lead to a “he said, she said” dynamic where the staff member denies that the abuse took place. Working with experts and ensuring that you gather all available evidence can help you hold the abuser liable.
Possible Defendants in Nursing Home Abuse Cases
If you or a loved one suffered abuse in a nursing home, there may be a few different parties you should name in your lawsuit.
While you will most likely bring a case against the nursing home as the ultimate party responsible for overseeing nursing home staff and operations, you may also have a claim against a staff member or multiple staff members involved in your or your loved one’s care.
Since some hospitals are part of a greater network, you may be able to bring a claim against the company that owns the nursing home or governs its operations.
Contact Us Today for a Free Consultation
Don’t wait to pursue your legal rights in Hillsborough County. Call our Tampa personal injury lawyer firm today for a free consultation: 1-800-747-3733.
We Can Help.
